100, 75, 50 Years Ago

NEW YORK — The American society world was pleasurably excited today in anticipation of the ball to be given tonight [Aug. 1] at Newport by Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish. “Everybody who is anybody” in Newport will be there and every guest will represent some character in a famous nursery rhyme, the only exception being the Admiral of the Fleet and his officers who may come dressed in uniform or as “Old Men of the Sea,” “Flying Dutchmen” or any other disguise they may prefer. The ball will be the biggest and most brilliant event of the social season. It is roughly estimated that the decorations and other effects, including the illuminated fountains and charming cascades, will cost $10,000, and the midnight supper for 300 persons, $5,000, while two bands, with sundry incidentals, will run well into $5,000.

1938 Campaign to Oust Jews

ROME — Jews will be allowed to remain in the nation, but not in the state, Roberto Farinacci, extremist exponent of anti-Semitic ideas, declared yesterday [July 31] in the “Regina Fascista.” This appears to forecast a campaign to oust Jews from state jobs without, however, exiling them from Italy. Even so, this is an important modification of attitude coming from the fanatical Jew-baiting wing of the Fascist party. It indicates that a good deal of cold water must have been poured on these fiery spirits. This may be due in part to a realization in high quarters of the seriousness with which the anti-Jewish campaign was viewed by the Pope. It may be doubted whether discrimination against Jews in state posts will be relished by the Vatican, but the danger of an open conflict between the Church and the party probably would be avoided. Roberto Farinacci wrote: “Why should we consider the Jews enemies of Italy and especially those who have obeyed the laws of our country? They will be able to live freely in the nation. But not in the state. Forty-four million non-Jewish Italians have a right and duty to keep the delicate nerve centers of the state in their own hands.”

1963 Kennedy Warns of China Peril

WASHINGTON — Looking into the 1970’s, President Kennedy finds in Communist China’s militant development “potentially a more dangerous situation than any we faced since the end of the second war.” Mr. Kennedy shot a clear warning to Peking that the United States would carry out its “commitments” in Asia. “We would hope,” he said today [Aug. 1], “that there would not be a flare-up which would bring a direct conflict.” Communist China, after its rupture with Moscow and the new Soviet flirtation with the West on nuclear testing, has behaved menacingly. Its radio broadcasts have become more vituperative, new border incidents in Korea against U.S. troops have occurred, fresh buildups of troops on India’s north frontier have been reported, and Viet Cong raids in South Vietnam are being stepped up.

A version of this article appears in print on August 2, 2013, in The International Herald Tribune. Today's Paper|Subscribe